Brock holds a significant place in the Pokémon anime series, being one of the characters with the longest tenure, surpassed only by Ash, Pikachu, and Team Rocket. His enduring presence has allowed him to cultivate a diverse selection of Pokémon, establishing himself as a formidable trainer with a distinctive style.
Initially, Brock specialized in Rock-type Pokémon, aligning with his role as a Gym Leader. However, his aspirations to become a Pokémon Breeder and later a Doctor led him to diversify his team considerably. Although battling is not Brock’s primary focus, his extensive knowledge and skill make him a versatile trainer, boasting a mix of Pokémon types and abilities that can surprise his opponents. Notably, like Misty, Brock continued to train and develop his Pokémon even after moving on from his adventures with Ash. Below is a rundown of 10 of Brock’s strongest Pokémon, ranked for their unique attributes and battle capabilities.
Comfey: A Non-Combatant
First Appearance: Pokémon Sun & Moon, “Heart of Fire! Heart of Stone!”
Introduced in a single episode, Comfey was gifted to Brock by Nurse Joy during his time in Alola. Its sole purpose in battle is to provide comfort, serving as an emotional support tool rather than a combatant. Comfey’s signature move, Sweet Scent, is specifically designed to soothe Pokémon and reduce their stress during treatment. As Brock’s only Fairy-type Pokémon and the first he caught after leaving the main cast, it plays a crucial role in his journey to becoming a Pokémon Doctor—though its utility in battles remains limited.
Geodude: Brock’s Most Loyal Pokémon
First Appearance: Pokémon the Original Series, “Showdown in Pewter City”
Geodude has been a faithful companion of Brock since its capture, drastically enhancing his indoor battle strategies due to its lightweight and versatile abilities. Frequently serving as Brock’s go-to Pokémon in tight spaces, Geodude’s hovering capability allowed it to assist in various rescue missions. With a robust move set including Seismic Toss, Dig, and Gyro Ball, Geodude consistently proved its prowess in multiple encounters, demonstrating loyalty and skill.
Sudowoodo: A Deceptively Strong Opponent
First Appearance: Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, “From Cradle to Save”
Croagunk: More Trouble Than Foes
First Appearance: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, “Gymbaliar!”
Brock’s first official capture in the Sinnoh region came in the form of Croagunk, a potent Poison- and Fighting-type Pokémon. Known for its quirky behavior, Croagunk would often interrupt Brock’s romantic endeavors with a swift Poison Jab, adding a layer of humor to their partnership. Croagunk’s move set, which includes Poison Jab, Poison Sting, and Brick Break, propelled Brock to success in competitions, cementing its place as a valuable team member.
Marshtomp: An Underdeveloped Gem
First Appearance: Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, “A Mudkip Mission”
Mudkip and exhibited incredible interaction with his Lotad in joint moves. However, Marshtomp never fully realized its potential as it was left at Pewter Gym when Brock ventured to Sinnoh, limiting its growth. Armed with moves such as Mud Shot, Marshtomp showcased decent power, but without the chance to evolve into its final form, Swampert, its abilities were restrained.
Crobat: Evolution Over Time
First Appearance: Pokémon the Original Series, “Clefairy and the Moon Stone”
Caught as a Zubat early in his journey, Crobat developed alongside Brock throughout their adventures in Kanto and Johto. Utilizing its Supersonic ability, Crobat effectively confused foes. Upon its evolution, Crobat mastered powerful attacks, earning its place as a reliable partner in Brock’s team, consistently thwarting prevalent threats like Team Rocket.
Ludicolo: A Versatile Ally
First Appearance: Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, “The Lotad Lowdown”
Transitioning from a Lotad, Ludicolo marked a new dawn for Brock, adding Water- and Grass-type diversity to his collection. Quickly proving its merit, Ludicolo became an essential partner for Mudkip in coordinated attacks. Having notable moves like Razor Leaf and unique dance abilities, Ludicolo’s rhythm became an asset in battles, confusing and outmaneuvering opponents with ease.
Blissey: The Healing Tank
First Appearance: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, “One Big Happiny Family”
Hatched from an egg and nurturing through its transformations, Blissey emerged as a vital part of Brock’s team. Equipped with potent moves such as Dazzling Gleam and Mega Punch, alongside healing abilities like Softboiled, Blissey proved indispensable in double battles, well-known for its exceptional health stats that never faded in on-screen battles.
Forretress: A Tactical Battler
First Appearance: Pokémon Gold and Silver, “Going Apricorn!”
Initially caught as Pineco, Forretress slowly morphed into a tactical powerhouse. Evolved after numerous episodes, it showcased powerful moves like Rapid Spin and mastery of hazards, contributing significantly to Brock’s strategy. Notably, its self-destruct maneuvers posed a dangerous threat to enemies, securing battles against formidable foes, such as Team Rocket’s machinery.
Steelix: Brock’s Most Formidable Pokémon
First Appearance: Pokémon the Original Series, “Showdown in Pewter City”
Brock’s journey began with Onix, but his growth culminated in Steelix, which was skillfully evolved under the guidance of his brother. With access to diverse moves like Iron Tail and Dragon Breath, Steelix showcases a fearsome presence in battle. After acquiring both a Key Stone and Mega Stone, Steelix became an even mightier force, adeptly countering opponents with its enhanced power during critical battles.
Brock’s Steelix remains a testament to his growth as a trainer, showcasing the theme of perseverance and evolution evident throughout his tenure in the Pokémon anime. While Ash’s Pokémon may dazzle in their own right, Brock’s collection in its entirety proves that he is a trainer worthy of respect.